GPhC Medicines Optimisation 2

Question 1

Which of the following best describes medication adherence?

Accepted Answer

The extent to which a patient's behaviour corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider

Answer

The extent to which a patient follows their prescriber's instructions without question

Answer

The patient's written agreement to take medication as prescribed

Answer

The ability of a patient to obtain and correctly fill their prescription

Question 2

Research estimates that approximately what proportion of patients with long-term conditions do not take their medicines as intended?

Accepted Answer

Around 50%

Answer

Around 10%

Answer

Around 25%

Answer

Around 75%

Question 3

A patient states they regularly forget to take their once-daily antihypertensive because of a busy routine. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Unintentional non-adherence

Answer

Intentional non-adherence

Answer

Therapeutic non-compliance

Answer

Medicines management failure

Question 4

Which validated tool is commonly used in clinical practice to measure a patient's self-reported adherence to long-term medication regimens?

Accepted Answer

Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS)

Answer

FRAX score

Answer

PHQ-9 questionnaire

Answer

AUDIT-C questionnaire

Question 5

Shared decision making in the context of medicines optimisation requires that:

Accepted Answer

The clinician and patient work together using evidence alongside the patient's preferences and values

Answer

The clinician makes the final decision based on the strongest clinical evidence

Answer

The patient selects their preferred medicine from a clinician-generated list

Answer

Agreement is reached between the GP and pharmacist before informing the patient

Question 6

A patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes declines to start metformin, citing concerns about gastrointestinal side effects. The most appropriate medicines optimisation response is to:

Accepted Answer

Explore the patient's concerns, provide accurate information about side effects, and collaboratively agree a management plan

Answer

Prescribe metformin regardless, as it is first-line and has a strong evidence base

Answer

Refer the patient back to the GP and document that they have refused treatment

Answer

Respect the patient's decision and take no further action at this appointment

Question 7

Which of the following interventions has the strongest evidence base for improving long-term medication adherence?

Accepted Answer

Simplifying the medication regimen by reducing dose frequency where possible

Answer

Providing written patient information leaflets with every prescription

Answer

Increasing the frequency of prescriber follow-up appointments

Answer

Issuing all long-term medicines in monitored dosage systems